Memorial day for star children: Event planned in Frankfurt
On October 15, a memorial walk will take place in Frankfurt to honor star children. The association 'Our Star Children Hessen' is organizing the event to raise awareness about early child loss and support affected families. Recently, Hessen strengthened parents' rights.
Many couples in Hessen and across Germany experience the loss of a child before, during, or after birth. To give space to this grief, the association 'Our Star Children Hessen' is organizing a memorial walk in Frankfurt on October 15. 'We walk together for all children who died in the (early) pregnancy, around birth, or in the first year of life,' states the announcement. 'Let us show: We are many.'
October 15 is the international memorial day for star children, referring to those who die before, during, or shortly after birth. The event aims to highlight early child loss and give it visibility, acceptance, and dignity. 'Many affected families have only a few people around them to accompany them on this path. We want to change that.'
According to estimates from the Family Ministry in Berlin, there are about 90,000 miscarriages in Germany each year, most before the 12th week of pregnancy and often unnoticed. Recently, the Hessen state parliament in Wiesbaden passed an amendment to the cemetery and burial law. This gives parents of star children weighing less than 500 grams and born before the 24th week a legal right to individual burial. Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) emphasized this, stating that hospitals will now be required to inform affected parents about this option. The measure ensures families are informed during their difficult time.